Enforcer and fan favorite Kelly Chase will not be in a Blues uniform next season. The Blues have decided not to pick up Chase’s option for next season, which would have paid him $500,000. Chase has spent 8 of his 11 NHL seasons with the Blues, and has been heavily involved in the community. He won the NHL’s King Clancy Award two years ago for his charitable work. His playing time has diminished the last two years. He is second on the Blues’ career penalty minute list, behind only Brian Sutter. The Blues also released defenseman Rico Persson. The NHL’s free agent period begins Saturday. Pleau says he will try to re-sign Blues free agents Mike Eastwood and Tyson Nash.
